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UNIDO recruits 01 International Expert on SME upgrading

UNIDO recruits 01 International Expert on SME upgrading

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Tunis, Tunisia

International Expert on SME upgrading
Post Level : ISA-SpecialistVacancy AnnouncementVACANCY  ANNOUNCEMENT TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNELEXTERNALFemale candidates from all Member States are particularly encouraged to apply.
Vacancy Announcement No : VA2022_ISA_EXT_005Duty Station : TunisiaDate of Issuance : 19 January 2022Type of Appointment : Individual Service AgreementEmployment Fraction : NonStaff-RegularClosing Date : 09 February 2022
Organizational ContextThe United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.
Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Departments/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.The Directorate of Digitalization, Technology and Agri-Business (DTA), headed by a Managing Director, coordinates and mainstreams the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in its technical cooperation, strategic, normative activities aiming at fostering the inclusive and sustainable development in the era of 4IR. The Directorate creates new and innovative technical cooperation deliverables in the areas of trade, investment, technology innovation and agro-industry and agri-business. The Directorate comprises the Department of Digitalization, Technology and Innovation (DTI) and the Department of Agri-Business (AGR).
Responding to the growing demand for supporting inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in the era of the new industrial revolution, the Department of Digitalization, Technology and Innovation (DTA/DTI) leads the way in addressing opportunities, challenges and risks stemming from the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and its contribution to sustainable socio-economic progress. The Department is responsible for the strategic coordination of 4IR-related matters with designated focal points in other technical Departments and organizational entities of UNIDO, as appropriate. In consultation with public and private partners, DTI designs and implements holistic interventions that are tailored to specific country needs. The Department’s interventions actively identify and combine complementary services from across three Divisions, namely:
– Innovation and Digitalization Division (DTA/DTI/IDD)- Investment and Technology Promotion Division (DTA/DTI/ITP)- Quality Infrastructure and Smart Production Division (DTA/DTI/QIS)
This position is located under the Innovation and Digitalization Division (DTA/DTI/IDD), which promotes digital transformation and innovation ecosystems building, to advance the economic competitiveness of developing countries by helping them to benefit from the rapid progress of digital and convergent technologies associated to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and ensuring a smooth transition towards cyber-physical industrial systems and a smart society.
PROJECT CONTEXT
Project number: 140261Project title: Support the Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC) to be sustained, effective and internationally recognized as key driving force for regional trade integration
The current project has been extended to finish in 2023, while outcomes and outputs has been revised and expanded to provide technical support to Abs, CABs, and SMEs.
The objective of the project is strengthening regional accreditation in order to contribute to facilitation of social, economic & environmental benefits on a societal scale.To achieve this goal the project has set two outcomes:
Outcome 1ARAC is sustainable, internationally recognized and strengthened as a key pillar to regional trade integration.Under this outcome, two outputs will be implemented:
Output 1.1ARAC, as a regional cooperation body, is legally incorporated, technically & financially viable
Output 1.2ARAC members capacitated towards reaching ARAC MLA signatory status / extending the recognized scopes
Outcome 2:SMEs access available & enhanced conformity assessment services via supported CABsUnder which three outputs will be implemented:
Output 2.1Up to 100 CABs (out of which at least 30% women) from ARAC country members supported in obtaining accreditation/ expanding scope of services.
Output 2.2150 SMEs from food sector (out of which at least 30% women- led/owned/working) supported to enhance their performance in terms of quality, via the use of ARAC accredited CABs
Output 2.3Public-private stakeholders in two selected ARAC Member States supported to recognize third-party food safety certificates and track the performance of inspection services
In this extension phase, the project will continue to work in two separates but complementing tracks – outcomes. Outcome 1 builds on ARAC achievement to optimize regional accreditation operations and ensure ownership and sustainability (last mile support), whereas outcome 2 introduces direct support to the main users/beneficiaries of the program to proof target group utilization of ARAC trade infrastructure (upholding attribution and additionality principles of this intervention). This is in line with Sidas’s goals for economic development delineated within its regional MENA strategy 2021-2025. The later outcome is a result of UNIDO assessment as well, recommendations from evaluators and feedback from regional counterparts.
– First outcome: ARAC will continue to support the expected results mentioned above. Reducing trade barriers, ensuring the adoption of trade facilitation best practice, and making trade infrastructure accessible and operationally efficient and effective. Ultimately, contributing to sustainable economic growth in economic, social, and environmental dimensions as well as to reduce inequality (both income and gender). Institutionalization and technical sustainability of the regional accreditation system and harmonized accreditation bodies. Furthermore, its focus will be on the digitalization of ARAC’s back office and front office processes and services to gain efficiency and effectiveness and to mitigate risks (i.e. pandemics) that could interfere with operations. In parallel to ICT and digitalization support, the establishment of national performance monitoring system for relevant governmental entities for certification of product and services will be a priority.
– Second outcome: the project will seek to work directly with the end user of accreditation services – target group. Both Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are greatly influenced by accreditation services. On one hand, CABs need accreditation to ensure the quality and competence of their services and on the other SMEs benefit from the services provided by the latter to overcome/reduce technical barrier to trade. However, within the original ARAC project, it was difficult to monitor that link and to assess the causality between CABs and SMEs and its subsequent impact. Understanding this dynamic will allow ARAC and its members to receive evidence-based insights for improving, not only accreditation processes and services, but contributing to broader analysis and decision making for broader trade facilitation policy and regulations as well. The extension of ARAC includes new outputs that are designed to directly intervene on the meso and micro level (CABs and SMEs) with the aim of raising their capacities to better use the benefit from accreditation services within the QI system. Ultimately, contributing to sustainable economic growth in economic, social, and environmental dimensions as well as to reduce inequality (both income and gender).
Besides improving for example food safety inspection services, the project will be able to measure the impact generated by improved conformity assessment services from an economic perspective. Namely, monitoring increased (i.e. revenue) due to increased trade (i.e. export) and support governmental bodies adopt best practices for good governance, quality control and trade. In addition, best practices in food safety inspection backed by data generated by voluntary third-party assurance (vTPA) programs shall contribute to improved risk-based inspection practices by prioritizing areas through improved risk profiling of predominant hazards. Ultimately, having improved and better-targeted inspection function, including measuring the performance of existing practices, will translate to enhanced food safety practices as one of the main bottlenecks for economic growth and enhanced trade.
Both outcomes complement each other by targeting the different three level with relevant stakeholders/counterparts (ARAC: regulatory/institutional, CABs: Service providers, SMEs: end-users/target group). Going forward, project’s focus will be on the SMEs with most potential to trade/export within the MENA region by means of facilitating their access to accreditation and other complementary trade facilitation services within the ARAC and country members. Also, the project will assess the needs of SMEs in terms of accreditation (trade facilitation) services and focus on supporting those that could have the highest impact on business growth and employment. These activities will among others, directly support SMEs negatively impacted by Covid 19, by providing technical assistance aimed at enhancing the quality of their services and products. Furthermore, technical assistance shall be made available for SMEs willing to enhance their capacity to ensure their products and services comply with regulations and standards through testing, inspection, calibration, and certification services provided by the ARAC AB accredited CABs. SMEs should become more competitive and be able to expand into new markets, including those overseas. Also, that kind of technical assistance will lead to reduction in rejections, product failings and recalls (waste). Similarly, the project will support CABs to address the needs of SMEs willing to export, by providing CABs with the tools and best practices for performing their operation, as well as expanding their scope of services based on needs and priorities of the SMEs. ). Another example, is when a CAB in county Y expands its scope to provide a new certificate or test for a product intended for export, it contributes to the reduction of the overall production cost for the enterprise in that country, since the CAB is making this new scope/service available domestically it eliminates the need to undertake or repeat this test in the export market. Input from end users SMEs and CABs will be key for further development and improvement of trade facilitation policy at the Macro-level.
In parallel, the project will continue to develop capacity and infrastructure to identify risks and mitigate and adapt accordingly to avoid supply chains interruption and food safety hazards resulting from different kind of catastrophic events such as pandemics (i.e. Covid-19). ARAC current coordination and collaboration with medical laboratories could be strengthened providing the needed trainings and tools for the CABs to test for biohazards. Also, relevant authorities should have access data and analysis to assess risk and develop appropriate measures (protocols).
Specific focus will be given to reducing gender inequality, as the proposed extension is targeting at least 30% of women of total CABs and SMEs. In addition, the proposal will initiate a gender related certificate that is aimed at enhancing gender equality with establishment working in the private sector.
Duty Station: Tunis, Tunisia
Approximate duration: 6 months (with the possibility of extension)Main FunctionsUnder the supervision of the project manager and in cooperation and coordination with the CTA of the project and UNIDO team in HQ, the expert is expected to undertake the following activities, mainly under output 2.2: 150 SMEs from food sector (out of which at least 30% women- led/owned/working) supported to enhance their performance in terms of quality, via the use of ARAC accredited CABs.
Generic Project management functions:– In cooperation with the CTA and the project team, elaborate the work plan for and supervise the implementation of its activities from technical perspective to ensure their quality;- Provide technical inputs to a work plan, progress report, final report and any other reports/documents as requested;- Provide briefing, guidance, training and technical inputs to experts for developing and implementing technical assistance activities targeted at quality aspects in the beneficiary SMEs;- Participate in meetings/workshops/seminars to publicize the project as requested;- Assist the project team and precisely the monitoring officer in tracking the progress of the project through collecting relevant data and providing necessary information;- Undertake ad hoc activities discussed and approved by the Project Manager.
Technical functions:– Conduct/participate consultations with the relevant stakeholders to identify priority value; chains/sectors/products from ARAC member countries with high potential for trade (regionally and internationally;- Develop criteria and a methodology to identify select 150 enterprises from the priority value chains/sectors/products from ARAC member states. The criteria/methodology should reflect the targets and indicators set out in the project log frame in terms of social, economic and environmental impact;- Organize and guide the diagnosis process for the selected enterprises (focusing on quality related aspects) through ensuring the following:a) Prepare Job Descriptions, ToRs and other relevant documents for the different international and national experts intended to provide assistance to the beneficiaries.b) Prepare the detailed plan of intervention for each of the beneficiary enterprises.c) Follow up and monitor the diagnosis in each of the enterprises to ensure quality and that target are met.d) Review and validate beneficiary enterprises diagnostic reports/upgrading plan.e) Prepare a plan for intervention for each enterprise, including collective and individual assistance to address the needs identified in the diagnostic phase.f) Prepare Job Descriptions ToRs for experts/service providers/equipment providers.g) Follow up and monitor delivering the assistance.h) Review and validate the final report of each beneficiary enterprise.
– Support the conceptualization, development and testing of the digital platform that will be established within output 2.1, with the aim of monitoring enterprise performance and impact of quality infrastructure on its performance;- Support the conceptualization and development of the national monitoring system for the relevant governmental entities to track product certification.
Equipment provision:– Identify the needs for equipment and potential recipients for the equipment based on the diagnostic report. Submit the list of equipment and recipients to UNIDO headquarter for approval;- Upon approval on the list and recipients, draft specifications of the identified equipment and recommend several potential providers of the equipment;- Overview the procurement process of the equipment, delivery and provision of training and installation.
Core Competencies– WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.- WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.- WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.
Key Competencies– WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.- WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.- WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.- WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.
Minimum Requirements
EducationAdvanced university degree in engineering, economics, business administration, quality or other relevant discipline with specialization in private sector development, is required.
LanguagesFluency in written and spoken English, Arabic and French is required.
Field of ExpertiseAt least seven (7) years of professional experience in enterprise development with focus on quality aspects, is required. Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems in developing countries and specifically in Arab countries, is desirable. Additionally, proficient knowledge of SMEs development methodologies related to trade and exports, value chain analysis procedures; proven competence & achievement record in SMEs upgrading; practical experience in the field of trade and private sector development, including experience coordinating technical cooperation projects is required.
This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependants, under the procedures established by the Director General.
NOTE : The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.
International Expert on SME upgradingComplete the personal history form and apply to this job now.
Notice to applicants :UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregards it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org

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